Regularly checking your pulse could increase your chances of preventing stroke and dementia, according to a leading heart scientist.
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Heart Research Institute external affairs director Ben Freedman said regularly checking our pulses for evidence of atrial fibrillation (AF), or irregular heartbeat could provide vital early clues to the potential for stroke.
But Professor Freedman, who is the founder of AF-SCREEN International Collaboration, said one in ten people who experienced stroke were unaware they had AF.
"By detecting AF early with more intense electrocardiogram (ECG) screening, we could dramatically reduce the risk of stroke," he said.
Professor Freedman is about to play a key role in the world's largest screening project to prevent stroke.
Over the next five years, he and his team will measure AF in Australians who are older than 70, using a handheld thumb device in a bid to provide clear evidence that intensive ECG screening prevents stroke, morbidity and death.
He said he hoped the trial would pave the way for the development of a national screening program for early detection of AF.
"AF is the most common abnormal heart rhythm and is often asymptomatic - but early diagnosis could save your life," he said.
"About a third of all strokes in Australia can be attributed to AF and for many, there is no family history."
The prevalence of AF rises with age, affecting about 10 per cent of people aged 70 and over. AF increases a person's risk of stroke by up to five times.
Professor Freedman said while consumer products such as FitBit and Apple watches were increasing in popularity and could potentially detect AF, there were "complexities" surrounding consumer-led screening.
"It could give a false sense of security about heart health if normal, which could do damage long term," he said.
"Results from wearable devices should be interpreted with caution, even though some manufacturers make out their products could save your life.
"That's why we need more research into portable ECGs. We need to bridge the healthcare gap between consumer-led and doctor-led interventions."
